Benjamin Hardin King | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Ben" |
Born | Ad Lee, Oklahoma, U.S. | December 9, 1919
Died | October 5, 2004 Florence, Oregon, U.S. | (aged 84)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1942–1971 |
Rank | Brigadier General |
Unit | 347th Fighter Group 359th Fighter Group 49th Fighter-Bomber Group |
Commands | 57th Fighter Group 65th Fighter Squadron 336th Fighter Squadron 41st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 121st Fighter Interceptor Squadron 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron 4400th Combat Crew Training Group 525th Air Defense Group 1400th Operations Group 82nd Fighter Group 4750th Air Defense Wing 1st Combat Applications Group Los Angeles Air Defense Sector Fourth Air Force |
Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (4) Purple Heart Air Medal (26) |
Benjamin Hardin King (December 9, 1919 - October 5, 2004) was a United States Air Force Brigadier General and a flying ace. King flew combat missions in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War, and was credited in destroying 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II. He retired in 1971, after 29 years of distinguished service.[1]